U.S. patent application number 15/939535 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-02 for buttress attachment features for surgical stapling apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Covidien LP. Invention is credited to Danny Berry, Sally L. Carter, Gerald N. Hodgkinson, Rahim R. Merchant.
Application Number | 20180214147 15/939535 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49033830 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180214147 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Merchant; Rahim R. ; et
al. |
August 2, 2018 |
BUTTRESS ATTACHMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS
Abstract
An end effector assembly for use with a surgical stapler,
comprising a staple cartridge having a tissue contacting surface,
an anvil plate having a tissue contacting surface, a buttress
material releasably disposed on the tissue contacting surfaces of
each of the staple cartridge and the anvil plate, and an epoxy
positioned onto the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the
staple cartridge and anvil plate defining an attachment zone
configured to retain the respective buttress material atop the
respective tissue contacting surfaces.
Inventors: |
Merchant; Rahim R.; (Hamden,
CT) ; Hodgkinson; Gerald N.; (Guilford, CT) ;
Berry; Danny; (Hamden, CT) ; Carter; Sally L.;
(Nashua, NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Covidien LP |
Mansfield |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49033830 |
Appl. No.: |
15/939535 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13942822 |
Jul 16, 2013 |
|
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15939535 |
|
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61684846 |
Aug 20, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/07207 20130101;
A61B 17/07292 20130101; A61B 17/064 20130101; A61B 2017/06033
20130101; A61B 17/1155 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/064 20060101
A61B017/064; A61B 17/072 20060101 A61B017/072 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling apparatus,
comprising: a cartridge body including a tissue contacting surface
defining a plurality of staple retaining slots therein, and first
and second side surfaces defining respective first and second
openings therethrough; a buttress material including a body portion
overlying the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body, and
first and second flaps extending from the body portion and
positioned adjacent to the respective first and second side
surfaces of the cartridge body; a first retaining member extending
through the first opening of the first side surface of the
cartridge body and through the first flap of the buttress material
to releasably retain the buttress material to the cartridge body;
and a second retaining member extending through the second opening
of the second side surface of the cartridge body and through the
second flap of the buttress material to releasably retain the
buttress material to the cartridge body.
3. The staple cartridge of claim 2, wherein the first flap of the
buttress material includes a first hole in registration with the
first opening of the first side surface of the cartridge body, and
the second flap includes a second hole in registration with the
second opening of the second side surface of the cartridge body,
the first and second retaining members extending through the
respective first and second holes of the buttress material.
4. The staple cartridge of claim 2, wherein the first and second
retaining members each include a shaft, the shafts positioned
through the respective first and second side surfaces of the
cartridge body and the respective first and second flaps of the
buttress material.
5. The staple cartridge of claim 4, wherein the first and second
retaining members each include a first button disposed on a first
end of the shaft, the first buttons positioned adjacent to
respective inner surfaces of the first and second side surfaces of
the cartridge body.
6. The staple cartridge of claim 5, wherein the first buttons of
the first and second retaining members are larger in size than the
respective first and second openings of the cartridge body.
7. The staple cartridge of claim 5, wherein the first and second
retaining members each include a second button disposed on a second
end of the shaft, the second buttons positioned adjacent to
respective outer surfaces of the first and second flaps of the
buttress material.
8. The staple cartridge of claim 2, wherein the first and second
retaining members are bioabsorbable.
9. The staple cartridge of claim 2, wherein the first and second
retaining members are dissolvable.
10. The staple cartridge of claim 2, wherein the first and second
retaining members are frangible.
11. The staple cartridge of claim 2, wherein the buttress material
includes perforations disposed between the body portion and the
first and second flaps along fold lines of the buttress
material.
12. The staple cartridge of claim 3, wherein the first and second
holes of the buttress material include perforations.
13. The staple cartridge of claim 2, wherein the first and second
openings defined in the respective first and second side surfaces
of the cartridge body are one of a plurality of first and second
openings, and the first and second retaining members are one of a
plurality of first and second retaining members.
14. The staple cartridge of claim 2, wherein the cartridge body is
a linear and the first and second side surfaces extend
longitudinally along a length of the cartridge body on opposed
sides of the tissue contacting surface.
15. The staple cartridge of claim 2, wherein the cartridge body is
annular and defines a centrally located aperture therein, and the
first and second sides of the cartridge body are inner and outer
surfaces of the cartridge body.
16. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling apparatus,
comprising: a cartridge body including a tissue contacting surface
defining a plurality of staple retaining slots therein, the tissue
contacting surface including proximal and distal portions defining
respective first and second openings therethrough; a buttress
material overlying the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge
body; and first and second retaining members extending through the
respective first and second openings of the cartridge body and
through the buttress material to releasably retaining the buttress
material to the cartridge body.
17. The staple cartridge of claim 16, wherein the buttress material
includes first and second holes in registration with the first and
second openings of the cartridge body, the first and second
retaining members extending through the respective first and second
holes of the buttress material.
18. The staple cartridge of claim 16, wherein the first and second
retaining members each include a shaft, the shafts positioned
through the respective first and second openings of the cartridge
body and the buttress material.
19. The staple cartridge of claim 18, wherein the first and second
retaining members each include a first button disposed on a first
end of the shaft, the first buttons positioned adjacent to an inner
surface of the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body.
20. The staple cartridge of claim 19, wherein the first and second
retaining members each include a second button disposed on a second
end of the shaft, the second buttons positioned adjacent to an
outer surface of the buttress material.
21. The staple cartridge of claim 16, wherein the first and second
openings defined in the respective proximal and distal portions of
the cartridge body are one of a plurality of first and second
openings, and the first and second retaining members are one of a
plurality of first and second retaining members.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/942,822, filed on Jul. 16, 2013,
which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/684,846 filed on Aug. 20, 2012, the entire
content of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to surgical stapling
apparatuses and buttress materials for use with said surgical
stapling apparatus and, more particularly, to structures and
methods for attaching a buttress material to a surgical stapling
apparatus.
2. Background of Related Art
[0003] Surgical stapling apparatus are employed by surgeons to
sequentially or simultaneously apply one or more rows of fasteners,
e.g., staples or two-part fasteners, to body tissue for the purpose
of joining segments of body tissue together. Such apparatus
generally include a pair of jaws or finger-like structures between
which the body tissue to be joined is placed. When the stapling
apparatus is actuated, or "fired", longitudinally moving firing
bars contact staple drive members in one of the jaws. The staple
drive members push the surgical staples through the body tissue and
into an anvil in the opposite jaw which forms the staples. If
tissue is to be removed or separated, a knife blade can be provided
in the jaws of the apparatus to cut the tissue between the lines of
staples.
[0004] For most procedures, the use of bare staples, with the
staples in direct contact with the patient's tissue, is generally
acceptable. In certain procedures, the use of surgical supports,
e.g., meshes or buttress materials, are employed by surgeons in
combination with linear or annular stapling devices to bridge,
repair and/or reinforce tissue defects within a patient, especially
those occurring in the abdominal wall, chest wall, diaphragm, and
other musculo-aponeurotic areas of the body. The buttress material
tends to reinforce the staple or suture line as well as cover the
juncture of the tissues to reduce leakage prior to healing. In
certain minimally invasive surgical procedures the buttress
material may be pre-attached to the surgical instrument being used.
For example, the buttress material can be attached to a staple
cartridge or anvil plate of a surgical stapling instrument by the
manufacturer.
[0005] A surgical stapling apparatus having a surgical buttress
releasably secured thereto by at least one anchor is disclosed in
International Published Application No. WO 08/109125 A1, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety. The buttress is attached to the apparatus by at least
one anchor and includes knife blades for severing the anchors.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,193 to Gravener, the disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety,
discloses a surgical device having a sheet of curved resilient
material attached thereto. Elongated projections can be fixed
within slots using adhesive bonding and perforations permit tearing
of the film to separate the central portion of the film from the
side portions.
[0007] It would be desirable to provide improved means of securely
attaching a surgical buttress to the staple cartridge or anvil
plate while allowing the buttress material to fully release from
the surgical stapling apparatus after the staples have been
fired.
SUMMARY
[0008] Disclosed herein is a surgical stapling apparatus including
a buttress material and a method of attaching the buttress material
to the surgical stapling apparatus.
[0009] In one embodiment of present application a system for
securing surgical buttresses to the jaws of the stapler is
disclosed. The system allows the surgical buttresses to be secured
to the staple cartridge and/or anvil plate by utilizing ultraviolet
light curable epoxy to adhere the surgical buttresses to a tissue
contacting surface of the staple cartridge and/or anvil plate.
Perforations may be provided around the location of the epoxy to
allow the surgical buttress to release from the tissue contacting
surfaces by the force applied by the grasp of staples in the
surgical buttress.
[0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure,
the use of ultraviolet light curable epoxy allows the same
attachment means to be utilized for both the metal based anvil
plate and metal or non-metal staple cartridge. In addition, the use
of ultraviolet light curable epoxy can be precisely controlled both
in terms of spatial placement and volume of deposition as to not
impact the anvil plate or staple cartridge. Most importantly, the
ultraviolet light curable epoxy is essentially part of the stapling
device as it does not detach with the surgical material and is not
implanted into the body.
[0011] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, surgical
buttresses are secured to the staple cartridge and/or anvil plate
with the use of retaining members placed through at least one hole
of the surgical buttress and through at least one opening of at
least one of the staple cartridge and/or anvil plate.
[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a staple cartridge
for use with a surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed. The staple
cartridge includes a cartridge body including a tissue contacting
surface defining a plurality of staple retaining slots. The tissue
contacting surface of the cartridge body is fabricated from a first
material. The staple cartridge further includes a staple disposed
within each staple retaining slot of the cartridge body. A buttress
material is releasably disposed on the tissue contacting surface of
the cartridge body and an epoxy is positioned on the tissue
contacting surface of the cartridge body defining an attachment
zone configured to retain the buttress material atop the tissue
contacting surface.
[0013] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the epoxy is an
ultraviolet light curable epoxy.
[0014] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the tissue
contacting surface has a first and second outer edge.
[0015] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the tissue
contacting surface has a distal end such that a distal attachment
zone is positioned from the first outer edge to the second outer
edge.
[0016] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the tissue
contacting surface has a proximal end such that a first proximal
attachment zone is positioned parallel to the first outer edge and
second proximal attachment zone is positioned parallel to the
second outer edge.
[0017] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the staple cartridge
defines a central longitudinal slot configured to enable passage of
a knife blade therethrough.
[0018] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second
proximal attachment zones are positioned distally from a proximal
end of the central longitudinal slot.
[0019] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the distal
attachment zone is positioned proximally for a distal end of the
central longitudinal slot.
[0020] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the buttress
material has perforations at the proximal end of the tissue
contacting surface such that the perforations are positioned
perpendicularly and distally from the first and second proximal
attachment zone.
[0021] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the buttress
material has perforations at the distal end of the tissue
contacting surface such that the perforations are positioned
parallel and proximal from the at least one distal attachment
zone.
[0022] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of
attachment zones are disposed intermittently along the first and
second outer edges.
[0023] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of
attachment zones are concentric.
[0024] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the buttress
material has perforations such that the perforations surround the
plurality of attachment zones.
[0025] In an aspect of the present disclosure, an end effector
assembly for a surgical stapler is disclosed. The end effector
including a staple cartridge having a tissue contacting surface,
the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body being
fabricated from a first material. The end effector further
including an anvil plate having a tissue contacting surface, the
tissue contacting surface of the anvil plate being fabricated from
a second material that is dissimilar from the first material. A
buttress material is releasably disposed on the tissue contacting
surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and the anvil plate and an
epoxy positioned onto the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the
staple cartridge and anvil plate defining an attachment zone
configured to retain the respective buttress material atop the
respective tissue contacting surfaces.
[0026] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical stapling
apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cartridge body
including a tissue contacting surface defining a plurality of
staple retaining slots and a staple disposed with each staple
retaining slot of the cartridge body. The staple cartridge further
includes a substantially circular buttress material releasably
disposed on the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body,
the buttress material including an inner peripheral edge, an outer
peripheral edge, and a middle portion extending between the inner
and outer peripheral edges and an epoxy positioned on the tissue
contacting surface of the cartridge body defining an attachment
zone configured to retain the buttress material atop the tissue
contacting surface. In certain preferred embodiments, the epoxy is
a curable epoxy, and may be curable upon exposure to ultraviolet
light.
[0027] The buttress material may further include perforations
arranged to allow the buttress material to separate from the
cartridge body. A retaining member may also be disposed in a hole
in the surgical stapling apparatus.
[0028] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method of
assembling a surgical stapling apparatus comprises: providing a
surgical stapling apparatus having at least one tissue contacting
surface, the tissue contacting surface having a stapling zone and
at least one attachment zone; applying epoxy on the at least one
attachment zone on the tissue contacting surface; applying a
buttress to the tissue contacting surface so as to contact at least
a portion of the buttress with the epoxy, the buttress having a
portion for overlying the stapling zone and a portion overlying the
attachment zone for being permanently attached to the tissue
contacting surface; and curing the epoxy.
[0029] The epoxy may be curable with exposure to ultraviolet light.
In certain embodiments, the surgical stapling apparatus has an
anvil plate and a staple cartridge. The surgical stapling apparatus
can be selected from the group consisting of a circular surgical
stapler and a linear surgical stapler. The method can include
disposing a retaining member in a hole in the surgical stapling
apparatus.
[0030] Any of the above aspects of the present disclosure described
may be combined with any other aspect of the present disclosure
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0031] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a tool assembly
for use in a surgical stapling apparatus for joining tissue
portions is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a staple
cartridge containing a plurality of surgical staples therein and an
anvil plate configured to cooperate with the staple cartridge to
grasp tissue disposed therebetween where at least one of the staple
cartridge and the anvil plate includes at least one opening. The
tool assembly further includes a buttress material supported on the
at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil plate and
including at least one hole formed therein. The tool assembly
further includes at least one retaining member extending through
the at least one hole and the at least one opening. The retaining
member is configured to releasably secure the buttress material to
the at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil plate and is
configured to separate from the buttress material to release the
buttress material from the at least one of the staple cartridge and
the anvil plate after firing of the surgical stapling
apparatus.
[0032] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one
retaining member includes a pair of buttons and a tether extending
therebetween. The tether extends through the at least one hole and
the at least one opening with one of the buttons disposed adjacent
each of the at least one hole and the at least one opening to
releasably secure the buttress material to the at least one of the
staple cartridge and the anvil plate.
[0033] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of buttons
are sized such that a diameter of each button is larger than the
respective hole or opening.
[0034] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one of
the staple cartridge and the anvil plate includes a tissue
contacting surface and a side surface. The buttress material
includes a flap extending beyond the tissue contacting surface and
configured for placement adjacent the side surface. The flap
includes the at least one hole extending therethrough and the at
least one opening is disposed in the side surface such that the at
least one retaining member releasably secures the flap to the side
surface.
[0035] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the surgical
stapling apparatus is a linear surgical stapling apparatus.
[0036] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one
hole includes a plurality of holes longitudinally spaced along the
buttress material.
[0037] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one
hole includes a plurality of holes spaced along the buttress
material transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tool
assembly.
[0038] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one
hole is disposed adjacent to a corner of the buttress material and
the at least one opening extends through a tissue contacting
surface of the at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil
plate.
[0039] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the surgical
stapling apparatus is a circular surgical stapling apparatus.
[0040] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one
hole includes a plurality of holes annularly spaced along the
buttress material.
[0041] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the buttress
material includes a first flap adjacent an inner side surface of
the at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil plate and a
second flap adjacent an outer surface of the at least one of the
staple cartridge and the anvil plate. Each of the first and second
flaps includes the at least one hole and each of the inner and
outer side surfaces includes the at least one opening.
[0042] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a tissue contacting
surface of the at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil
plate includes a flange extending radially inward therefrom. The
buttress material is supported on the flange and includes the at
least one hole adjacent the flange. The flange includes the at
least one opening therein.
[0043] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining member
is formed of a bio-absorbable polymer.
[0044] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining member
is configured to fracture after the plurality of surgical fasteners
are fired.
[0045] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining member
is dissolvable in a body fluid.
[0046] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining member
dissolvable in saline.
[0047] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining member
has a melt temperature of about body temperature.
[0048] In an aspect of the present disclosure, retaining member has
a melt temperature of about 37.degree. C.
[0049] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the buttress
material includes a plurality of perforations that are configured
to allow the retaining member to separate from the buttress
material.
[0050] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of
attaching a buttress material to a surgical stapling apparatus
during assembly is disclosed. The method includes the steps of:
providing a staple cartridge containing a plurality of surgical
staples therein, providing an anvil plate configured to cooperate
with the staple cartridge to grasp tissue disposed therebetween,
positioning a buttress material on at least one of the staple
cartridge and the anvil plate, inserting a retaining member having
a first end and a second end through at least one hole of the
buttress material and at least one opening of the at least one of
the staple cartridge and the anvil plate, and melting the retaining
member to form a button on each of the first and second ends to
releasably secure the buttress material to the at least one of the
staple cartridge and the anvil plate.
[0051] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the buttons are
formed such that a diameter of each button is larger than the
respective hole or opening.
[0052] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical stapling
apparatus for joining tissue portions is disclosed. The apparatus
includes a staple cartridge having a plurality of surgical staples
disposed therein and at least one opening formed therein. The
staple cartridge further includes a buttress material supported on
the staple cartridge and including at least one hole formed therein
and at least one retaining member extending through the at least
one hole and the at least one opening. The retaining member is
configured to releasably secure the buttress material to the staple
cartridge and is configured to separate from the buttress material
to release the buttress material from the staple cartridge after
firing of the surgical stapling apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0053] Various embodiments of the presently disclosed interlocking
buttress retention systems are disclosed herein with reference to
the drawings, wherein:
[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0055] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a
staple cartridge of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1,
illustrating a surgical buttress associated therewith;
[0056] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of an
anvil plate of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1,
illustrating a surgical buttress associated therewith;
[0057] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the staple cartridge,
illustrating the surgical buttress affixed to the staple
cartridge;
[0058] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the anvil plate,
illustrating the surgical buttress affixed to the anvil plate;
[0059] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a distal end of the surgical
stapling apparatus of FIG. 1, shown in use positioned about a
tissue section;
[0060] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 6;
[0061] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the stapled and divided
tissue section of FIG. 6;
[0062] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment
of a surgical stapling apparatus in accordance with another
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0063] FIG. 9B is a side elevational view partially, broken away,
of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 9A;
[0064] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment
of the staple cartridge of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG.
9A including a surgical buttress in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0065] FIG. 10B is a top plan view of the staple cartridge and
surgical buttress illustrated in FIG. 10A;
[0066] FIG. 11 is perspective view of an intestinal area of a
patient, illustrating a method of positioning the anvil rod and
staple cartridge of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIGS. 9A,
9B, and 10 within the intestinal area;
[0067] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the intestinal
area of FIG. 11, illustrating the anvil rod mounted to the surgical
stapling apparatus;
[0068] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
a staple cartridge of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1,
illustrating a buttress material supported thereon;
[0069] FIG. 13B is a top, plan view of the buttress material of
FIG. 13A, illustrating the buttress material unfolded;
[0070] FIG. 14A is a top, cross-sectional view of the cartridge of
FIG. 13A, taken along section line 14A-14A of FIG. 13A;
[0071] FIG. 14B is a front, cross-sectional view of the staple
cartridge of FIG. 13A, taken along section line 14B-14B of FIG.
13A;
[0072] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
staple cartridge of the annular surgical stapling apparatus of FIG.
1, illustrating a buttress material supported thereon;
[0073] FIG. 15B is a top, plan view the buttress material of FIG.
15A;
[0074] FIG. 16A is a side, cross-sectional view of the staple
cartridge of FIG. 15A, taken along section line 16A-16A of FIG.
15A;
[0075] FIG. 16B is a front, cross-sectional view of the staple
cartridge of FIG. 15A, taken along section line 16B-16B of FIG.
15A;
[0076] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
staple cartridge of the annular surgical stapling apparatus of
FIGS. 9A-9B, illustrating a buttress material supported
thereon;
[0077] FIG. 17B is a top, plan view the buttress material of FIG.
17A, illustrating the buttress material unfolded;
[0078] FIG. 18A is a side, cross-sectional view of the staple
cartridge of FIG. 17A, taken along section line 18A-18A of FIG.
17A;
[0079] FIG. 18B is a top, cross-sectional view of the staple
cartridge of FIG. 17A, taken along section line 18B-18B of FIG.
17A;
[0080] FIG. 19A is a top, plan view of another embodiment of a
staple cartridge of the annular surgical stapling apparatus of
FIGS. 9A-9B, illustrating a buttress material supported on a flange
of the staple cartridge;
[0081] FIG. 19B is a top, plan view the buttress material of FIG.
19A;
[0082] FIG. 20A is a side, cross-sectional view of the staple
cartridge of FIG. 19A, taken along section line 20A-20A of FIG.
19A, illustrating the staple cartridge having a flange;
[0083] FIG. 20B is a side, cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a staple cartridge of FIG. 19A, illustrating the
staple cartridge having a relatively wider inner surface;
[0084] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a anvil plate of the
surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating a buttress
material supported thereon in accordance with another embodiment of
the present disclosure; and
[0085] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge of the
annular surgical stapling apparatus of FIGS. 9A-9B, illustrating a
buttress material supported thereon in accordance with another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0086] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are
discussed herein below in terms of buttresses for use with surgical
stapling apparatus. The buttresses described herein may be used in
sealing a wound by approximating the edges of wound tissue between
a staple cartridge and an anvil plate of a surgical stapling
apparatus which contains at least one buttress. The at least one
buttress is joined to the surgical stapling apparatus by at least
one attachment zone formed by an epoxy positioned between a tissue
contacting surface of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate
and the least one buttress. Firing of the surgical stapling
apparatus forces legs of at least one staple to pass through an
opening on the staple cartridge, the tissue, and the openings on
the anvil plate to secure the buttress to the tissue, to secure the
adjoining tissue to one another, and to seal the tissue. Thus, the
present disclosure describes surgical buttresses, surgical stapling
apparatus supporting said surgical buttresses, and methods and
mechanisms for using the same.
[0087] It should be understood that a variety of surgical stapling
apparatus may be utilized with a surgical buttress of the present
disclosure. For example, linear stapler configurations may be
utilized, such as, for example those including Duet TRS' reloads
and staplers with Tri-Staple .TM. technology, available through
Covidien, which maintain a principal place of business at 555 Long
Wharf Drive, North Haven, Conn. 06511, and transverse anastomosis
staplers, such as, for example, EEA.TM., CEEA.TM., GIA.TM.,
EndoGIA.TM., and TA.TM. surgical staplers, also available through
Covidien. It should also be appreciated that the principles of the
present disclosure are equally applicable to surgical staplers
having alternate configurations, such as, for example, end-to-end
anastomosis staplers having a circular cartridge and anvil (see,
e.g., commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,616, entitled "Surgical
Fastener Applying Apparatus," the entire content of which is
incorporated herein by this reference); laparoscopic staplers (see,
e.g., commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,330,965 and 6,241,139, each
entitled "Surgical Stapling Apparatus," the entire contents of each
of which being incorporated herein by this reference); and
transverse anastomosis staplers (see, e.g., commonly owned U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,964,394 and 7,334,717, each entitled "Surgical Fastener
Applying Apparatus", the entire contents of each of which being
incorporated herein by this reference).
[0088] Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical buttress and
surgical stapling apparatus will now be described in detail with
reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals
identify similar or identical elements. In the following
discussion, the terms "proximal" and "trailing" may be employed
interchangeably, and should be understood as referring to the
portion of a structure that is closer to a clinician during proper
use. The terms "distal" and "leading" may also be employed
interchangeably, and should be understood as referring to the
portion of a structure that is further from the clinician during
proper use. As used herein, the term "patient" should be understood
as referring to a human subject or other animal, and the term
"clinician" should be understood as referring to a doctor, nurse,
or other care provider and may include support personnel.
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is disclosed an exemplary
surgical stapling apparatus or surgical stapler 10 for use in
stapling tissue and applying a buttress material or surgical
buttress to the tissue. An exemplary example of this type of
surgical stapling instrument is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,128,253, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein.
[0090] Surgical stapling apparatus 10 generally includes a handle
12 having an elongate tubular member 14 extending distally from
handle 12. An end effector assembly 16 is mounted on a distal end
18 of elongate tubular member 14. End effector assembly 16 includes
a staple cartridge 200 configured to receive a cartridge body 32
therein and an anvil plate 300. End effector assembly 16 may be
permanently affixed to elongate tubular member 14 or may be
detachable and thus replaceable with a new end effector assembly
16. Anvil plate 300 is movably mounted on distal end 18 of jaw
assembly 16 and is movable between an open position spaced apart
from staple cartridge 200 to a closed position substantially
adjacent staple cartridge 200. Anvil plate 300 is fabricated from a
metal material, including and not limited to stainless steel,
titanium, titanium alloy, and the like. At least a tissue
contacting surface of staple cartridge 200 is fabricated from a
material other than metal, including and not limited to plastic,
thermoplastic, resin, polycarbonate, and the like.
[0091] Surgical stapling apparatus 10 further includes a trigger
33, as seen in FIG. 1, movably mounted on handle 12. Actuation of
trigger 33 initially operates to move anvil plate 300 from the open
to the closed position relative to staple cartridge 200 and
subsequently actuates surgical stapling apparatus 10 to apply lines
of staples to tissue. In order to properly orient end effector
assembly 16 relative to the tissue to be stapled, surgical stapling
apparatus 10 is additionally provided with a rotation knob 34
mounted on handle 12. Rotation of rotation knob 34 relative to
handle 12 rotates elongate tubular member 14 and end effector
assembly 16 relative to handle 12 so as to properly orient end
effector assembly 16 relative to the tissue to be stapled.
[0092] A driver 36, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7A, is provided to move
anvil plate 300 between the open and closed positions relative to
staple cartridge 200. Driver 36 moves through a longitudinal slot
338 (FIG. 3) formed in anvil plate 300. A knife 30 with knife blade
31 is associated with driver 36 to cut tissue captured between
staple cartridge 200 and anvil plate 300 as driver 36 passes
through slot 338. The driver may be configured as a beam with an
upper portion that engages the anvil plate 300 and a lower portion
that engages the channel that supports the staple cartridge 200.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,565,993 to Milliman et al., the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety, discloses an axial drive assembly 212 including an
elongated drive beam 266 for approximating the anvil and staple
cartridge to clamp tissue and fire staples therein. The stapling
apparatus 10 can include such a beam, or other known structure. The
staple cartridge 200 has staple receiving slots for retaining
staples therein, whereas the anvil plate includes staple forming
recesses. The driver forces the staples from the staple receiving
slots and drives them into the staple forming recesses so that they
are formed into a closed shape around tissue.
[0093] Reference may be made to commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,915,616, 6,330,965, and 6,241,139, referenced above, for a
detailed discussion of the construction and operation of an
exemplary surgical stapling apparatus 10.
[0094] Staple cartridge 200 and/or anvil plate 300 may be provided
with a surgical buttress 500. Surgical buttress 500 is provided to
reinforce and seal the lines of staples applied to tissue by
surgical stapling apparatus 10. Surgical buttress 500 may be
configured into any shape, size, or dimension suitable to fit any
surgical stapling, fastening, or firing apparatus.
[0095] Staple cartridge 200 is provided with a cartridge buttress
500a and anvil plate 300 is provided with an anvil buttress 500b in
the manners described in more detail hereinbelow. The buttresses
500a, 500b may be made from any biocompatible natural or synthetic
material. The material from which the buttresses 500a, 500b are
formed may be bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable. It should be
understood that any combination of natural, synthetic,
bioabsorbable and non-bioabsorbable materials may be used to form
the buttress material. The buttresses 500a, 500b may be porous or
non-porous, combination of porous and non-porous layers. The
non-porous buttresses 500a, 500b may be utilized to retard or
prevent tissue ingrowth from surrounding tissues thereby acting as
an adhesion barrier and preventing the formation of unwanted scar
tissue.
[0096] Additional exemplary materials for surgical buttresses 500a,
500b for use with the surgical stapling devices disclosed herein
are set forth in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,542,594;
5,908,427; 5,964,774; and 6,045,560, and commonly assigned U.S.
Application Publication Nos. 2006/0085034, filed on Apr. 20, 2006;
and 2006/0135992, filed on Jun. 22, 2006, the entire contents of
each of being hereby incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
[0097] As illustrated in the current embodiment and shown in FIGS.
2 and 3, surgical buttress 500 is releasably attached to staple
cartridge 200 and/or anvil plate 300 at attachment zones 240, 340,
respectively, defined by strategically positioned ultraviolet (UV)
light curable epoxy that affixes surgical buttresses 500a, 500b to
the inwardly facing or tissue contacting surfaces 220, 320 of the
staple cartridge 200 and/or the anvil plate 300, as discussed in
detail below. The use of UV curably epoxy enables fixing of
surgical buttresses 500a, 500b to the respective tissue contacting
surfaces 220, 320 of staple cartridge 200 and anvil plate 300 which
are fabricated from dissimilar material.
[0098] With reference to FIG. 2, cartridge buttress 500a of staple
cartridge 200 is operatively secured or adhered to a tissue
contacting surface 220 of staple cartridge 200, by epoxy 250
positioned onto both a proximal end 260 and a distal end 262 of the
tissue contacting surface 220. Epoxy 250 is disposed between the
cartridge buttress 500a and the tissue contacting surface 220.
Staple cartridge 200 further includes a first outer edge 248a and
second outer edge 248b. A distal attachment zone 240a (FIG. 4) is
disposed distally of a distal end of a central longitudinal slot
238 and extends substantially from the first outer edge 248a to the
second outer edge 248b of staple cartridge 200. At least one
proximal attachment zone 240b is disposed proximally of the distal
end of the central longitudinal slot 238. The proximal and distal
attachment zones on the staple cartridge are positioned outside the
area in which the staple receiving slots are defined in the staple
cartridge.
[0099] Cartridge buttress 500a includes perforations 246 that allow
cartridge buttress 500a to be released from the tissue contacting
surface 220. Perforations 246 extend linearly in a direction
perpendicular to the central longitudinal slot 238 near the
proximal and distal attachment zones 240a, 240b. In particular, at
the distal end 262 of staple cartridge 200, perforations 246a of
the cartridge buttress 500a are disposed between the distal
attachment zone 240a and the distal end of the central longitudinal
slot 238. Further, at the proximal end 260 of staple cartridge 200,
the perforations 246b of the cartridge buttress 500a are disposed
distally of each proximal attachment zone 240b.
[0100] With reference to FIG. 3, and similar to cartridge buttress
500a, anvil buttress 500b is operatively secured or adhered to a
tissue contacting surface 320 of anvil plate 300, by epoxy 350
positioned at a proximal 360 and distal end 362 of the anvil plate
300 and between the anvil buttress 500b and the tissue contacting
surface 320 of anvil plate 300. A distal attachment zone 340a (FIG.
5) is disposed distally of a distal end of a central longitudinal
slot 338 and extends substantially between the outer edges 348a,
348b of anvil plate 300. At least one proximal attachment zone 342b
is disposed proximally of the distal end of the central
longitudinal slot 338. The proximal and distal attachment zones on
the anvil plate 300 are positioned outside the area in which the
staple receiving recesses are defined in the anvil plate.
[0101] Anvil buttress 500b includes perforations 346 similar to
cartridge buttress 500a. Perforations 346 of anvil buttress 500b
extend linearly in a direction perpendicular to the central
longitudinal slot 338 near the proximal and distal attachment zones
340a, 340b from the first and second outer edges 348a, 348b. In
particular, at the distal end 362 of anvil plate 300, the
perforations 346a of the anvil buttress 500b are disposed between
the distal attachment zone 340a and the distal end of the central
longitudinal slot 338. Further, at the proximal end 360 of anvil
plate 300, the perforations 346b of the anvil buttress 500b are
disposed distally of each proximal attachment zone 340b. the
perforations enable the buttresses 500a, 500b to be permanently
attached to the anvil plate and staple cartridge while allowing the
release of the buttresses after stapling has been performed.
[0102] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the buttresses 500a, 500b disposed
on the staple cartridge 200 and anvil plate 300, respectively. As
shown, additional attachment zones 240c, 340c, for respective
staple cartridge 200 and anvil plate 300, are disposed along outer
edges 248a, 248b, 348a, 348b of each of staple cartridge 200 and
anvil plate 300. Perforations 246c, 346c surround the attachments
zones 240c, 340c to allow buttresses 500a, 500b to be released from
the tissue contacting surfaces 220, 320. The attachment zones 240c,
340c are shown as concentric but additional shapes and sizes may be
contemplated. The attachment zones in any of the embodiments
disclosed herein may have shapes that are circular, rectangular,
oblong, etc., or any appropriate shape. Likewise, the epoxy
material in any of the embodiments disclosed herein may have shapes
that are circular, rectangular, oblong, etc., or any appropriate
shape.
[0103] During assembly, epoxy 250, 350 is disposed at predetermined
locations on tissue contacting surfaces 220, 320 of each of staple
cartridge 200 and anvil plate 300 by known methods, such as
spraying, dipping, blotting, dabbing, or similar known methods in
the art. Once the buttresses 500a, 500b are placed onto each of the
tissue contacting surfaces 220, 320 of staple cartridge 200 and
anvil plate 300, respectively, an ultraviolet light is used to cure
epoxy 250, 350 and bond buttresses 500a, 500b to the epoxy 250, 350
and thus to the tissue contacting surfaces 220, 320. In any of the
embodiments disclosed herein, it is contemplated that the epoxy
could be partially cured and then the buttress is adhered to the
partially cured epoxy.
[0104] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the epoxy can be
an epoxy that is cured using any electromagnetic radiation,
including but not limited to ultraviolet light.
[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 6, during use of surgical stapling
apparatus 10, the staple cartridge 200 and anvil plate 300, having
surgical buttresses 500a, 500b loaded thereon (as described above)
are positioned on either side of the surgical site. Tissue
contacting surfaces 220, 320 of staple cartridge 200 and anvil
plate 300 are positioned adjacent layers of tissue "T" to be
fastened to one another.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 7, staple cartridge 22 includes surgical
staples 50 positioned within the individual staple retaining slots
52. Staples 50 are of a conventional type and include a backspan 54
having a pair of legs 56 and 58 extending from backspan 54. Legs 56
and 58 terminate in tissue penetrating tips 60 and 62,
respectively. Pushers 64 are located within staple retaining slots
52 and are positioned between staples 50 and the path of a drive
bar 66.
[0107] Surgical stapling apparatus 10 is initially actuated by
movement of trigger 33 relative to handle 12 (FIG. 1) causing
driver 36 to move in the direction of arrow "A" (FIG. 6), and
against sloped edge 21 of anvil plate 300 thereby causing anvil
plate 300 to be moved to the closed position relative to staple
cartridge 200. As drive bar 66 advances distally within staple
cartridge 32, drive bar 66 urges pushers 64 upwardly against
backspan 54 of staples 50 driving legs 56 and 58 of staples 50
through the cartridge buttresses 500a, tissue "T", and anvil
buttress 500b, towards staple forming pockets 68 in anvil plate
300. Tissue penetrating tips 60 and 62 of staple legs 56 and 58 are
bent within staple forming pockets 68 in anvil plate 20 with
backspan 54 securing surgical buttress 24 against tissue "T". The
buttresses 500a, 500b tear along the perforations 246, 346 thereby
breaking the bonds formed by the epoxy 250, 350 and releasing the
buttresses 500a, 500b from the tissue contacting surfaces 220, 320
of each of the staple cartridge 200 and anvil plate 300. In this
manner, epoxy 250, 350 remains on the tissue contacting surfaces
220, 320 as the buttresses 500a, 500b detach. The epoxy is not
implanted into the body but is removed with the stapling
apparatus.
[0108] Upon full actuation of surgical stapling apparatus 10, a
knife 30 associated with surgical stapling apparatus 10 and carried
by driver 36 may be utilized to cut tissue "T", as well as surgical
buttresses 500a, 500b between the rows of now formed staples 50.
Upon movement of anvil plate 300 to the open position spaced apart
from staple cartridge 200, surgical buttresses 500a, 500b finish
pulling away from tissue contacting surfaces 220, 320 from staple
cartridge 200 and anvil plate 300 along the perforations 246,
346.
[0109] The resulting tissue "T", divided and stapled closed with
staples 50, is illustrated in FIG. 8. Specifically, surgical
buttresses 500a, 500b are secured against tissue "T" by legs 56, 58
and backspans 54 of staples 50. Thus, surgical buttresses 500a,
500b are stapled to tissue "T" thereby sealing and reinforcing the
staple lines created by staples 50.
[0110] Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, an annular surgical
stapling apparatus 110, for use with surgical buttresses 124 of the
present disclosure, is shown. Surgical stapling apparatus 110
includes a handle assembly 112 having at least one pivotable
actuating handle member 133, and an advancing member 135. Extending
from handle member 112, there is provided a tubular body portion
114 which may be constructed so as to have a curved shape along its
length. Body portion 114 terminates in a staple cartridge 122 which
includes a pair of annular arrays of staple retaining slots 152
having a staple 150 disposed in each one of staple retaining slots
152. Positioned distally of staple cartridge 122 there is provided
an anvil assembly 120 including an anvil member 121 and a shaft 123
operatively associated therewith for removably connecting anvil
assembly 120 to a distal end portion of stapling apparatus 110.
[0111] Staple cartridge 122 may be fixedly connected to the distal
end of tubular body portion 114 or may be configured to
concentrically fit within the distal end of tubular body portion
114. Staple cartridge 122 includes a staple pusher 164 including a
proximal portion having a generally frusto-conical shape and a
distal portion defining two concentric rings of peripherally spaced
fingers (not shown), each one of which is received within a
respective staple retaining slot 152.
[0112] A knife 130, substantially in the form of an open cup with
the rim thereof defining a knife blade 131, is disposed within
staple cartridge 122 and mounted to a distal surface of a staple
pusher 164. The knife 130 is disposed radially inward of the pair
of annular arrays of staples 150. Accordingly, in use, as the
staple pusher 164 is advanced, the knife 130 is also advanced
axially outward.
[0113] As seen in FIG. 10A, a surgical buttress 124 is releasably
attached to the staple cartridge 122 at attachment zones 140
defined by deposits of epoxy 150 disposed between the surgical
buttress 124 and the tissue contacting surface 134 of the staple
cartridge 122. As described herein above, epoxy 150 bonds the
surgical buttress 124 to the tissue contacting surface 134.
Perforations 146 surround each deposit of epoxy 150 to allow
surgical buttress 124 to release from tissue contacting surface
134. Surgical buttress 124 is provided in an annular configuration
and includes a central aperture 125 to receive shaft 123 of anvil
assembly 120 therethrough. As illustrated, the attachment zones 140
are concentric in an annular configuration about an outer
peripheral edge 162 and inner peripheral edge 160 of staple
cartridge 122.
[0114] It is envisioned that the surgical buttress 124 may be
additionally or alternatively attached or adhered to tissue
contacting surface of anvil plate 121 in a manner similar to the
surgical buttress 124 attached to staple cartridge 122.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 10B, surgical buttress 124 may be secured
or adhered to the staple cartridge 122 along an inner portion or
peripheral edge 160 and outer portion or peripheral edge 162 of
surgical buttress 124. It is envisioned that other configurations
may be utilized to retain the surgical buttress 124 to the staple
cartridge 122, such as providing the attachment zones 140 along
either the inner or outer annular row of staple retaining slots
152, or alternating the attachment zones 140 between the staple
retaining slots 152, or among other arrangements within the purview
of those skilled in the art.
[0116] Surgical stapling apparatus 110 and detachable anvil
assembly 120 are used in an anastomosis procedure to effect joining
of intestinal sections 50 and 52. The anastomosis procedure is
typically performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques
including laparoscopic means and instrumentation. At the point in
the procedure shown in FIG. 11, a diseased intestinal section has
been previously removed, anvil assembly 120 (optionally including a
surgical buttress 124 thereon) has been applied to the operative
site either through a surgical incision or transanally and
positioned within intestinal section 52, and tubular body portion
114 of surgical stapling apparatus 110 (optionally including a
surgical buttress 124 thereon) has been inserted transanally into
intestinal section 50. Intestinal sections 50 and 52 are also shown
temporarily secured about their respective components (e.g., shaft
123 of anvil assembly 120, and the distal end of tubular body
portion 114) by conventional means such as a purse string suture
"P", as illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0117] Thereafter, the clinician maneuvers anvil assembly 120 until
the proximal end of shaft 123 is inserted into the distal end of
tubular body portion 114 of surgical stapling apparatus 110,
wherein the mounting structure (not shown) within the distal end of
tubular body portion 114 engages shaft 123 to effect the mounting.
Anvil assembly 120 and tubular body portion 114 are then
approximated to approximate intestinal sections 50, 52. Surgical
stapling apparatus 110 is then fired. A knife (not shown) cuts the
portion of tissue and surgical buttress 124 disposed radially
inward of the knife, to complete the anastomosis. The anvil
assembly 120 and staple cartridge 122 are opened, with surgical
buttress 124 stapled to intestinal sections 50 and 52. Surgical
buttress 124 tears away from the deposits of epoxy 150, along
perforations 146.
[0118] With reference now to FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14A and 14B an
alternate embodiment is shown wherein buttress material 1000 is
disposed on the tissue contacting surface 2200 of staple cartridge
2000 by a pair of flaps 1020, or margins of material that are
positioned adjacent side surfaces 2320 of staple cartridge 2000.
Staple cartridge 2000 is similar to staple cartridge 200 discussed
hereinabove having tissue contacting surface 2200 and a plurality
of retention slots 2380 formed therein for retaining a plurality of
staples or fasteners 2400 therein. Any of the embodiments disclosed
herein can include the flaps or margins for attaching buttress
material.
[0119] Buttress material 1000 is disposed on the tissue contacting
surface 2200 of staple cartridge 2000 over the openings 2380a of
retention slots 2380. Buttress material 1000 includes a pair of
flaps 1020 positioned adjacent side surfaces 2320 of staple
cartridge 2000 and includes at least one hole 1040 extending
through each of flaps 1020. Each hole 1040 is longitudinally spaced
apart from the next along the length of a respective flap 1020.
Staple cartridge 2000 further includes at least one opening 2480 in
each of side surfaces 2320 where each opening 2480 corresponds to a
respective one of the holes 1040 of buttress material 1000. In one
embodiment, when buttress material 1000 is disposed on tissue
contacting surface 2200, holes 1040 of buttress material 1000
substantially align or are in registration with the corresponding
openings 2480 of staple cartridge 2000.
[0120] With reference now to FIGS. 14A and 14B, a retaining member
1060 extends through each hole 1040 of buttress material 1000 and
corresponding opening 2480 of staple cartridge 2000 to secure
buttress material 1000 to staple cartridge 2000. Retaining member
1060 includes a pair of buttons 1080 linked together by a shaft or
tether 1100. Tether 1100 extends through one of openings 2480 and
the corresponding hole 1040 such that a first button 1080a is
disposed adjacent an inner surface 2320a of staple cartridge 2000
and a second button 1080b is disposed adjacent an outer surface
1120 of buttress material 1000. Each button 1080 is sized to be
larger than a respective opening 2480 or hole 1040 to inhibit
removal of the retaining member 1060 from the opening 2480 and hole
1040 during use. The retaining member may have other shapes,
including hooks, loops, or tabs. In certain embodiments, the
retaining member has bulbous ends that facilitate snapping the
retaining member through the holes 2480 and 1040.
[0121] Retaining members 1060 may be formed of a bio-compatible or
bio absorbable material. In one embodiment, retaining members 1060
may be configured to be brittle and absorbable such that, upon
firing of surgical stapling apparatus 10, retaining members 1060
are fractured to release buttress material 1000 from staple
cartridge 2000. In another embodiment, retaining members 1060 may
be dissolvable upon application of a subsequent fluid by the
surgeon or by a surgical instrument, e.g. a saline fluid, during
use in order to release buttress material 1000 from staple
cartridge 2000. Retaining members 1060 may also or alternatively be
dissolvable by body fluids in order to release buttress material
1000. In another embodiment, retaining members 1060 may be formed
of an absorbable polymer or other similar low melt temperature
material that is configured to melt or soften at body temperature,
e.g., about 37.degree. C., to release buttress material 1000 from
staple cartridge 2000. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein,
retaining members that are integrally formed with the buttress
material may be used to attach the buttress to the anvil or staple
cartridge of a stapling apparatus.
[0122] With reference now to FIGS. 15A, 15B, 16A and 16B, in
another embodiment buttress material 2100 is disposed on the tissue
contacting surface 2200 of staple cartridge 2000 over the openings
2380a of retention slots 2380. Buttress material 2100 includes a
proximal end 2600 and a distal end 2620. Each of proximal and
distal ends 2600, 2620 includes at least one hole 2060 and
preferably two holes 2060 extending therethrough. For example, in
one embodiment, buttress material 2100 may be substantially
rectangular with each hole 2060 disposed proximate to a corner 2080
of buttress material 2100. Staple cartridge 2000 further includes
at least one opening 2050 through tissue contacting surface 2200
where each opening 2050 corresponds to a respective one of the
holes 2060 of buttress material 2100. In one embodiment, when
buttress material 2100 is disposed on tissue contacting surface
2200, holes 2060 of buttress material 2100 substantially align or
are in registration with the corresponding openings 2050 of staple
cartridge 2000.
[0123] With reference now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, one of retaining
members 1060 extends through each hole 2060 of buttress material
2100 and corresponding opening 2050 of staple cartridge 2000 to
secure buttress material 2100 to staple cartridge 2000, as
described above. For example, tether 1100 of retaining member 1060
extends through one of openings 2050 and the corresponding hole
2060 such that the first button 1080a is disposed adjacent an inner
surface 2200a of tissue contacting surface 2200 and the second
button 1080b is disposed adjacent an outer surface 2010 of buttress
material 2100. Each button 1080 is sized to be larger than a
respective opening 2050 or hole 2060 to inhibit removal of the
retaining member 1060 from the opening 2050 or hole 2060 during
use.
[0124] It is contemplated that a buttress material 1000 or 2100 may
also or alternatively be disposed on anvil assembly in the same
manner as described above with regard to the attachment of buttress
materials 1000 and 2100 to staple cartridge 2000.
[0125] With reference now to FIGS. 17A-20B buttress material is
shown as generally annular in shape for securing to an annular
surgical stapling apparatus 110 as discussed in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
Referring now to FIGS. 17A, 17B, 18A and 18B, a buttress material
4000 is generally annular in shape and includes an inner portion
4020, a middle portion 4040, and an outer portion 4060. A
substantially centrally located aperture 4080, defined by the inner
circumference of inner portion 4020 is formed through buttress
material 4000. Buttress material 4000 may be any shape sufficient
to provide support for anastomosis of tissue after surgical
stapling apparatus 110 has been fired including, for example, a
square, a circle, an oval, a triangle or any other polygonal or
other shape.
[0126] Buttress material 4000 is sized such that when buttress
material 4000 is positioned over tissue contacting surface 3360 of
staple cartridge 3200, buttress material 4000 extends radially
beyond inner surface 3200a and outer surface 3200b of staple
cartridge 3200 such that inner portion 4020 and outer portion 4060
of buttress material 4000 may be folded over to abut or engage
inner and outer surfaces 3200a, 3200b, respectively.
[0127] Each of inner portion 4020 and outer portion 4060 includes
an annular array of holes 4412, 4416, respectively, and inner and
outer surfaces 3200a and 3200b include corresponding openings 3240,
3260, respectively for the reception of retaining members 1060
therethrough. For example, when buttress 4000 is positioned on
tissue contacting surface 3360 with inner and outer portions 4020,
4060 folded over to abut inner and outer surfaces 3200a, 3200b,
respectively, the holes 4120, 4160 and the corresponding openings
3240, 3260 may be substantially radially aligned or in
registration.
[0128] With reference now to FIGS. 18A and 18B, one of retaining
members 1060 extends through each hole 4120, 4160 of each of inner
and outer portions 4020, 4060, respectively and through the
corresponding openings 3240, 3260 of staple cartridge 3200 to
secure buttress material 4000 to staple cartridge 3200. For
example, the tether 1100 of a respective retaining member 1060
extends through one of openings 3240 of inner surface 3200a and
through the corresponding hole 4120 of inner portion 4020 of
buttress material 4000 such that the first button 1080a is disposed
adjacent an inside portion 3250 of inner surface 3200a and the
second button 1080b is disposed adjacent an outer surface 4020a of
inner portion 4020 of buttress material 4000. Likewise, the tether
1100 of another retaining member 1060 extends through one of
openings 3260 of outer surface 3200b and through the corresponding
hole 4120 of outer portion 4060 such that the first button 1080a is
disposed adjacent an inside portion 3270 of outer surface 3200b and
the second button 1080b is disposed adjacent an outer surface 4060a
of outer portion 4060. Each button 1080 is sized to be larger than
a respective opening 3240, 3260 or hole 4120, 4160 to inhibit
removal of the retaining member 1060 from the opening 3240, 3260 or
hole 4120, 4160 during use.
[0129] With reference now to FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20A and 20B, in one
embodiment, a buttress material 5000, formed of similar materials
to buttress material 4000, described above, is generally annular in
shape and includes an inner portion 5020, a middle portion 5040,
and an outer portion 5060. A substantially centrally located
aperture 5080, defined by the inner circumference of inner portion
5020 is formed through buttress material 5000. Buttress material
5000 may be any shape sufficient to provide support for anastomosis
of tissue after surgical stapling apparatus 110 has been fired
including, for example, a square, a circle, an oval, a triangle or
any other polygonal or other shape.
[0130] With reference now to FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 20A, in one
embodiment, buttress material 5000 is sized such that when buttress
material 5000 is positioned over tissue contacting surface 3360 of
staple cartridge 3200, the outer edge 5060a of outer portion 5060
of buttress material 5000 is substantially aligned with outer
surface 3200b of staple cartridge 3200 and inner edge 5020a of
inner portion 5020 extends radially inward of the inner surface
3200a of staple cartridge 3200. Staple cartridge 3200 includes a
flange 3480 extending radially inward from tissue contacting
surface 3360. Inner portion 5020 of buttress material 5000 includes
an annular array of holes 5100, and flange 3480 includes a
corresponding annular array of openings 3500 for the reception of
retaining members 1060 therethrough. For example, when buttress
5000 is positioned on tissue contacting surface 3360 with inner
portion 5020 extending radially inward of inner surface 3200a,
inner portion 5020 is positioned on flange 3480 and the holes 5100
and the corresponding openings 3500 in flange 3480 may be
substantially aligned or in registration, e.g., longitudinally
aligned.
[0131] One of retaining members 1060 extends through each hole 5100
of inner portion 5020 and through the corresponding openings 3500
of flange 3480 to secure buttress material 5000 to staple cartridge
3200. For example, the tether 1100 of a respective retaining member
1060 extends through one of openings 3500 of flange 3480 and
through the corresponding hole 5100 of inner portion 5020 of
buttress material 5000 such that the first button 1080a is disposed
adjacent a proximal surface 3480a of flange 3480 and the second
button 1080b is disposed adjacent a distal surface 5020a of inner
portion 5020 of buttress material 5000. Each button 1080 is sized
to be larger than a respective opening 3500 or hole 5100 to inhibit
removal of the retaining member 106 from the opening 3500 or hole
5100 during use.
[0132] With reference now to FIG. 20B, in another embodiment,
staple cartridge 3200 may include an inner surface 3520 having a
greater radial thickness than inner surface 3200a of staple
cartridge 3200 illustrated in FIG. 20A such that a distal portion
3520a of inner surface 3520 of staple cartridge 3200 extends
radially inward from tissue contacting surface 3360. Similar to
flange 3480 above, distal portion 3520a of inner surface 3520 of
staple cartridge 3200 includes an annular array of openings 3540
corresponding to the holes 5100 of buttress material 5000. For
example, when buttress 5000 is positioned on tissue contacting
surface 3360, inner portion 5020 is positioned on the distal
portion 3520a of inner surface 3520 such that the holes 5100 and
the corresponding openings 3540 may be substantially aligned, e.g.,
longitudinally aligned or in registration.
[0133] One of retaining members 1060 extends through each hole 5100
of inner portion 5020 of buttress material 5000 and through the
corresponding openings 3540 of the distal portion 3520a of the
inner surface 3520 of staple cartridge 3200 to secure buttress
material 5000 to staple cartridge 3200. For example, the tether
1100 of a respective retaining member 1060 extends through one of
openings 3540 of the distal portion 3520a of inner surface 3520 of
staple cartridge 3200 and through the corresponding hole 5100 of
inner portion 5020 of buttress material 5000 such that the first
button 1080a is disposed proximal of the opening 3540 in distal
portion 3520a and the second button 1080b is disposed adjacent a
distal surface 5020a of inner portion 5020 of buttress material
5000. Each button 1080 is sized to be larger than a respective
opening 3540 or hole 5100 to inhibit removal of the retaining
member 1060 from the opening 3540 or hole 5080 during use.
[0134] Referring now to FIGS. 13A, 15A, 17A and 19A, in any of the
above embodiments, buttress materials 1000, 2100, 4000 and 5000 may
include perforations or breakaway sections 1140, 2140, 4140, 5140
that are configured to release the buttress material 1000, 2100,
4000, 5000 from the cartridge assemblies 2000, 3200. For example,
buttress material 1000 may include perforations extending
longitudinally along the fold line of flaps 1020, buttress material
2100 may include perforations extending transverse to the
longitudinal axis adjacent the holes 2060 of the proximal and
distal portions 2600, 26200, buttress material 4000 may include
perforations extending radially along the fold lines of one or both
of inner portion 4020 and outer portion 4060, and buttress material
5000 may include an annular array of perforations disposed radially
outward of holes 5100 relative to a longitudinal axis of the staple
cartridge 3200. Alternatively, or in addition, each of holes 1040,
2060, 4120, 4160 and 5100 may include perforations or break away
sections such that buttons 1080a, 1080b of a retaining member 1060
may break through or snap through holes 1040, 2060, 4120, 4160 and
5100 as buttress material 1000, 2100, 4000, 5000 is released from
cartridge assemblies 2000, 3200.
[0135] Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, in one embodiment, it is
contemplated that a buttress material 1000, 2100, 4000 and 5000 may
alternatively or additionally be removably secured to one of anvil
assemblies 2202, and 3220 in a similar manner as described in the
above embodiments for removable securement of buttress materials
1000, 2100, 4000 and 5000 to cartridge assemblies 2000 and
3200.
[0136] In one embodiment, retaining members 1060 may be formed
during assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus or placement of
buttress material to the surgical stapling apparatus 10, 110 during
the manufacture or assembly thereof In a method of attaching the
buttress material to a surgical stapling apparatus, the polymer is
deposited onto the buttress material, the polymer material having a
melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the
buttress material. The polymer can be deposited by injection
molding, spraying, dipping, or other methods. In this way, the
polymer material can be melted without disrupting the physical
properties of the buttress material. In an embodiment of the
present disclosure, the degradable polymer material for the
attachment features is the polymer used in making Caprosyn.TM.
sutures, also known as L25, which has a melt temperature of about
125 to about 145 degrees celcius, while the buttress material is
L41 or L21, which have melting temperatures of about 210 to about
220 degrees celcius and about 185 to about 200 degrees celcius
respectively. The L21 polymer is used to make Maxon.TM. sutures.
The polymer L41 is similar to L21, but has a different chemical
structure, and has a greater degree of crystallinity and a higher
glass transition temperature and melting temperature. Both L21 and
L41 are a copolymer of glycolide and trimethylene carbonate.
[0137] In certain embodiments, the top of the driver 36
mechanically disrupts the interlocking features of the bonding
polymer and may shear off a portion of the polymer material. In
certain embodiments, the knife severs off a portion of the polymer
material that attaches the buttress material to the apparatus. In
certain embodiments, small pushers are provided in the staple
cartridge, which are actuated along with the staple firing pushers,
to release the buttress material from the apparatus. In further
embodiments, additional cutting assemblies can be provided in the
anvil, staple cartridge, or both.
[0138] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the buttress
material or the polymer of the attachment zone or attachment
feature can be made from glycolic acid, glycolide, lactic acid,
lactide, dioxanone, epsilon-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate,
etc., as is known in the art.
[0139] Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices
and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the
accompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and
that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed
merely exemplary of particular embodiments. It is to be understood,
therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the
precise embodiments described, and that various other changes and
modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without
departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally,
it is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or
described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be
combined with the elements and features of another exemplary
embodiment without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also
intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not to
be limited by what has been particularly shown and described,
except as indicated by the appended claims.
* * * * *